PROVIDENCE, R.I. – UConn women’s soccer defender Danielle Dakin was awarded the 2012-13 American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Institutional Scholarship as announced by the league office on Wednesday. Each institutional winner receives $2,000 toward graduate studies.

“We are proud to have an individual like Dani represent our program and university in both the athletic and academic settings,” stated head coach Len Tsantiris. “Dani represents the highest character and positive qualities of a student-athlete. She's a great student, great player, and a great leader. She is very deserving of this Scholar-Athlete scholarship and we know she will use her undergraduate experiences to propel herself into a successful career.”

The senior captain started all 80 games of her career and led the Husky defense as she was a dominant force for four years, including holding 2012 opponents to 13.2 shots per game. Dakin, majoring in exercise science, registered five career points with one goal and three assists.